Besides brushing, flossing pays the greatest dividends when it comes to oral hygiene. Is there an ideal time to floss? Yes. Anytime!
Today, we know that using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is part of taking care of our teeth and gums. Yet, many of our older patients see flossing as, well, optional.
Maybe because it wasn’t until the 1980s that flossing was acknowledged as a helpful self-care procedure.
Granted, brushing and flossing after every meal is ideal. But if flossing is going to be a once-a-day habit, consider this guideline. If you’re a “morning person,” floss in the morning. If you’re a “night owl,” floss at night. If you’re not sure, floss before bedtime. That way your mouth will be clean while sleeping.
Finally, should you brush first or floss first? It doesn’t seem to matter. However, those who brush first seem more likely to neglect flossing because their mouth feels clean.
